The Grateful Dog LLC

The Grateful Dog offers several training programs. Virtual Consultation is a 30-minute session addressing various issues or questions. The Pre Puppy Virtual Consultation is a one-hour session focused on potty training, crate training, and management/boundary training to prepare for a new puppy’s arrival.

Private In-Home Training provides customized sessions in the client’s home, including phone and email support. This includes a 2-Session Coursework introducing positive reinforcement basics and cues like name, crate, potty, recall/touch, sit, and down. A 4-Session Coursework reinforces these basics and adds cues like stay, leave it, drop it, and leash manners. Each private session lasts one to one and a half hours and includes 15 minutes of additional support training.

The Stay and Train program is an intensive, individualized boarding service where dogs live in a home environment under the direct supervision of a professional Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer. Activities are customized to correct identified issues, with a minimum 4-night stay required and private training sessions as a prerequisite. A 30 to 45-minute follow-up session is provided upon pickup.

The Transition Training Puppy Program is designed for young pups starting at 8 weeks, taking place in a home environment. This basic training covers crate training, potty training, socialization with people and other dogs, and basic commands like sit, touch/recall, and down. A 1-1.5 hour follow-up session is included upon pickup.

Policies

For Private In-Home Coursework, sessions must be scheduled within 14 days of purchase. Travel fees may apply if the destination is more than a 15-minute drive from the trainer’s location.

For the Stay and Train program, drop-offs are not permitted before 8 AM and pick-ups are not allowed after 8 PM, unless agreed upon in advance. Private Training Sessions are a prerequisite for enrolling in the Stay & Train program.

For the Transition Training Puppy Program, all participating dogs are required to have a Bordetella Vaccine, a stool sample, and a Parvo screening performed by their veterinarian prior to attendance.

The Grateful Dog LLC is a dog training business founded by Jennifer Topalian in 2015. They aim to help families build happy, healthy relationships with their dogs by teaching practical, effective, fun, and humane training techniques. They provide comprehensive professional training tailored to each client, emphasizing that they care for each pup as if it were their own.

Jennifer Topalian previously started a dog walking business in Fall 2013 and began training service dog puppies. The business also partners with pet product companies like Lifes Abundance Nutritional System for dog food and Wash’nZip Pet Bed, offering discounts to clients. They also affiliate with dog breeders such as Riverbend Labradoodles, Greystone Labradoodles, and Deer Pines Labradoodles.

Accomplishments

Jennifer Topalian, the founder and lead dog trainer, has a lifelong connection with dogs, which led her to establish The Grateful Dog in 2015. Her journey into professional training began in 2009 when she successfully used positive reinforcement with her adopted dog, Rascal.

Prior to founding The Grateful Dog, Jennifer started a dog walking business in Fall 2013 and trained service dog puppies. She has studied under the Karen Pryor Academy, focusing on Positive Reinforcement Dog Training, and is a member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers. The Grateful Dog has also been featured on Fox 8 Morning News.

How to Get Started!

To begin services with The Grateful Dog, clients should first schedule a 10-minute complimentary phone consultation. During this call, the trainer will discuss the dog’s training needs and determine the most suitable training program for the pet and owner.